Top 3 youngsters who impressed the most in Duleep Trophy 2026

East Zone won the Duleep Trophy 2026, defeating South Zone in the final on the basis of a first-innings lead. The tournament, which concluded with the final held at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, from September 6 to 10, 2026, produced several standout performances from young players across the competing sides.

Among those who caught the eye, three youngsters stood out for their contributions with the bat. Two of them were central to East Zone's title-winning campaign, while a third made a strong

case for wider recognition through consistent performances across the tournament.

Here are the top 3 youngsters who impressed the most in Duleep Trophy 2026:

3. Kumar Kushagra

Kumar Kushagra, a wicketkeeper-batter from Jharkhand playing for East Zone, was one of the most consistent performers in the Duleep Trophy 2026. He accumulated 224 runs in five innings at an average of 44.80, including a half-century and a century in the final against South Zone. He ended as the third-highest run-getter of the tournament.

Kushagra is noted for his counterattacking knocks from the lower-middle order and his dynamic strokeplay against the second new ball. His century in the final proved particularly valuable as East Zone secured the title on the basis of a first-innings lead. His performances across the tournament reinforced his standing as one of the sharpest young wicketkeeping prospects in Indian domestic cricket.

 

2. Shikhar Mohan

Shikhar Mohan, a left-handed batter from East Zone, featured in just one game during the Duleep Trophy 2026, the final against South Zone, but made an immediate impact. He scored 137 runs across both innings of the final, registering fifties in each, with a best score of 85.

His knock of 85 off 120 balls on Day 1 of the final at the Centre of Excellence Ground 1 in Bengaluru was described as the standout individual innings of that day. Mohan was listed at No. 3 in the Duleep Trophy 2026 Team of the Tournament, a recognition of how influential his contribution was in East Zone's title-winning performance in the final.

 

1. Mohammad Kounain Quraishi

Mohammad Kounain Quraishi was one of the notable young performers in the Duleep Trophy 2026. He featured in the tournament and made an impression with his batting displays, contributing to his side's campaign.

Interestingly, Quraishi was brought into the playing XI by East Zone without any prior red-ball experience at all, meaning that the youngster made his First-Class debut in the prestigious tournament. Across two matches, the Dhanbad-born picked up five wickets.

Regarded as a bowler who can contribute as a tailender, Quraishi impressed everyone with an unbeaten century against the Tilak Varma-led South Zone, showing how he can take up the role of a future all-rounder for India in Test cricket if groomed well.